Being mission-driven has no boundaries—and for our staff, improving people’s lives doesn’t end at the close of business. From donation drives to disaster relief, we amplify the impact of our caring bold thinkers around the world.
Every year, Abt Associates sets aside a portion of profits to bring skills, expertise, resources and energy to the local communities in which we operate and where our staff live. We’re intentional in our community involvement, ensuring that our support amplifies the impact of organizations aligned with our mission to improve people’s lives.
From facilitating employee-led events to supporting staff serving as board members. From sponsoring athletic events to matching employee contributions to help survivors of natural disasters. We serve as a catalyst for enabling our employees to make a personal impact in communities around the world.
Volunteering
Over the past year, we have provided staff new opportunities to volunteer right at the office by bringing events on-site. We have prepared sandwiches for a local homeless shelter, organized dozens of donation drives, and hosted pop-up bookstores benefitting economically disadvantaged youth. These are just a few examples of the hands-on opportunities we engaged in over the year.
Direct service with communities is also a key part of our efforts. From mentoring a South African youth group to managing volunteers at a high school robotics competition, to offering pro-bono evaluation services to a Boston non-profit working with families of children ages 0-3. We actively engage with our communities to make a positive impact.
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITIES
One of our favorite annual activities is the Mystic River Clean-up at our Cambridge, Mass. office. Partnering with the Mystic River Watershed Association, Abt volunteers head out in canoes to pull invasive water chestnuts out of the river by hand.
DIRECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe around the world. When disaster strikes, we donate directly to organizations providing effective responses on the ground in the U.S. and internationally. To make our corporate contributions go further, Abt matches employee donations.
Indonesia’s Earthquake Relief Efforts
Donations by staff and corporate matches were made to Helping Hand for Relief and Development's Indonesia Earthquake Relief Fund, and the Abt KOMPAK project team in Indonesia. Abt Australia staff in Brisbane also set up a Lombok earthquake charity lunch for additional support.
Building a New Classroom in Papua New Guinea
Over 100 children in Teapopo, Western Providence are now sitting in a newly built double classroom thanks to a recent Abt fundraiser that collected K65,000 ($18,236 USD). The event was held in Port Moresby in March 2019 and included the auction of donated items such as signed rugby jerseys and a scenic helicopter ride, as well as raffle tickets for a range of prizes.
ATHLETES FOR A CAUSE
One long-standing tradition is our support for athletes for a cause. Staff walk, run, and bike to raise money for important, mission-aligned causes and Abt sponsors many such events.
Examples of causes include HIV prevention, children’s health, veteran support, and so much more.